NLnet CodeSupply Grant 2027
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Quick Answer
Grants of €5,000 to €50,000 for open-source work on software supply chain security and open package metadata, with a European focus. Second call closes 3 January 2027.
- Funding amount
- Varies
- Funding type
- Grant
- Provider
- NLnet Foundation
- Application deadline
- 57d — 3 Jan 2027
- Location
- International
About this grant
CodeSupply is a pilot programme coordinated by the Dutch not-for-profit NLnet Foundation as part of the European Open Internet Stack initiative. It funds open-source work on software metadata and supply chain security. Grants run from €5,000 to €50,000 (about ₹5.45 lakh to ₹54.5 lakh) per proposal. The second call opened on 3 November 2026 and closes on 3 January 2027 at 12:00 noon CET, which is 4:30 pm IST. Like NLnet's other European funds, it expects a strong European dimension, so teams from India can apply only if they make a special case.
What the program offers
The programme gathers software metadata (where code comes from, its licensing, vulnerabilities and quality) into open reference data sets. About €400,000 of its budget is reserved for open calls that fund outside developers working on related free and open-source efforts. A single proposal can ask for €5,000 to €50,000 (about ₹5.45 lakh to ₹54.5 lakh). The listing text says one grantee can receive at most €60,000 (about ₹65.4 lakh) over the programme, although the programme page itself does not state a separate maximum per grantee.
The page welcomes new capabilities for CodeSupply software, auxiliary tools, user experience work, integrations into open-source applications and open standards, and improvements to key infrastructure. It also encourages standards for interoperability and redundancy. Both new ideas and nurturing or scaling existing technology are welcome. Everything you produce must be available under a recognised free or open-source licence.
Who can apply
The page says the programme supports independent researchers, developers and organisations working on free and open-source technology for a reliable software supply chain. Proposals must fit the programme's goals and the Open Internet Stack, and make a concrete contribution to them. The listing text adds that paid staff of the consortium members cannot apply.
The key condition is a strong European dimension. NLnet's proposal page says European Union-supported funds usually expect applicants to be mostly from Horizon Europe-eligible countries. The listing text says team members from those countries should receive at least 60% of the funds, and that proposals from elsewhere can be considered if the project is exceptional and the team has unique technical expertise. India is not named, so an Indian team falls under that discretionary exception.
This suits open-source maintainers and small tool builders working on software bills of materials, vulnerability data, licence compliance or package registries, especially in mixed teams with European members. It does not suit closed-source products, or general software projects with no link to the supply chain theme.
How to apply
- Read the CodeSupply page, the guide for applicants and the FAQ on nlnet.nl.
- Open the proposal form at nlnet.nl/propose and choose CodeSupply as the fund.
- Write the proposal in plain English in your own words. The form asks for a summary of up to 1,000 characters, a budget breakdown, a comparison with other efforts, technical challenges, ecosystem and background.
- Answer the AI disclosure questions, and, if you are outside the eligible countries, explain how your project meets the European dimension.
- Submit before 3 January 2027, 12:00 noon CET.
A practical tip: an "Ask us Anything" office hour is scheduled for 25 November 2026. Use it to check whether your project fits before you write the full proposal.
How applications are judged and what happens next
The pages read do not spell out the review steps. NLnet says proposals and applicant details are confidential. The listing text describes a check of fit and the European dimension, then scoring on technical merit, strategic relevance and value for money, a second round of questions for the best proposals, and a final check by an independent committee. NLnet expects the open-call budget to be fully allocated in early 2027.
About NLnet and CodeSupply
NLnet is a Netherlands-based not-for-profit that runs the NGI Zero grant programmes and other European funds for open technology. CodeSupply is funded by the European Commission through Horizon Europe, and it belongs to the Open Internet Stack initiative, which builds on the earlier Next Generation Internet programme. It was set up because software supply chain attacks are rising and developers need reliable metadata to respond.
Things to check before you apply
- The European dimension is a real hurdle for teams outside Europe.
- Proposals must be written by humans, not AI, and the form asks you to disclose any generative AI use.
- Everything you build must be open source.
- Payment terms are not described on the pages read, so confirm them with NLnet.
Eligibility
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Grant providers
Benefits & Funding
- Fund type
- Grant
What You Get
CodeSupply grants range from €5,000 to €50,000 (about ₹5.45 lakh to ₹54.5 lakh) for a first proposal, with a cap of €60,000 (about ₹65.4 lakh) per grantee over the programme. NLnet fixes the final amount in a memorandum of understanding and pays against agreed milestones. Depending on the project, grantees can also get security and accessibility audits, mentoring, testing expertise and copyright and licensing advice.
- Disbursement
- Milestone Based
- Bootstrap friendly
- Yes
Timelines & Process
Selection Process
NLnet says proposals and applicant details are confidential. The listing text describes a fit and European-dimension check, scoring on technical merit, strategic relevance and value for money, a second round of questions for the best proposals, and an independent committee check. NLnet expects the budget to be fully allocated in early 2027.
Application Process
- 1
Submit proposal
Fill the NLnet proposal form for the CodeSupply call before 3 January 2027.
You - 2
- 3
- 4
- 5
- 6
How to apply
Four steps from draft to disbursement — one action each.
- 1
Draft your application
Answer the form inside the grant tracker — AI drafts each response using your past answers, so you're not starting from a blank page.
- 2
Submit on the official portal
Use the official application link and verify all details before final submission.
- 3
Follow up
Reach out 5–7 days after submitting to confirm receipt and ask about the review timeline.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who can apply for the NLnet CodeSupply grant?
Independent researchers, developers and organisations working on free and open-source technology for a reliable software supply chain can apply. The project must fit the programme's goals and have a strong European dimension.
Can Indian developers apply for CodeSupply?
Yes, but it is harder. The programme usually expects team members from Horizon Europe-eligible countries to receive at least 60% of the funds, according to the listing text. Teams from elsewhere can be considered if the project is exceptional and they hold unique technical expertise.
How much funding does CodeSupply give?
Proposals can ask for €5,000 to €50,000 (about ₹5.45 lakh to ₹54.5 lakh). The listing text says one grantee can receive at most €60,000 (about ₹65.4 lakh) over the programme, while the programme page does not state a per-grantee maximum.
How is the CodeSupply money paid?
The pages we read do not describe payment terms. Confirm them with NLnet before you plan around the money.
What is the CodeSupply deadline, and what if it has passed?
The second call closes on 3 January 2027 at 12:00 noon CET, which is 4:30 pm IST. The source says more programmes are expected, but it gives no later CodeSupply date, so check nlnet.nl.
Is CodeSupply a grant or equity?
It is a grant for research and development. The pages mention no equity, but results must be released under a free or open-source licence.
What kind of work fits CodeSupply?
Work on open software metadata, supply chain security and licence compliance data, such as new capabilities for CodeSupply software, auxiliary tools, integrations and improvements to key infrastructure. Standards for interoperability are encouraged.
Can I use AI to write my proposal?
No. NLnet says proposals must be made by humans, not AI, and the form asks you to disclose any use of generative AI.
What do I need to submit?
You fill in an online form in English with a summary, budget breakdown, comparison with other efforts, technical challenges, ecosystem details and background. Attachments are optional.
Is it free to apply, and when are results announced?
The source mentions no fee. NLnet expects the budget to be fully allocated in early 2027, but no exact results date is given.
Sources
Data on this page is compiled from official program and provider references.
